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A Universal Understanding of Love
Unchained details your challenges growing up as an LGBTQ youth in a strict Nigerian community as a member of a Catholic family. Why was it important for you to share your story?
While Unchained isn’t a direct account of my personal experiences, it mirrors the struggles of LGBTQ individuals growing up in African societies, particularly where cultural and religious norms are deeply entrenched. When I moved to the UK, I witnessed a society where LGBTQ rights were respected and gay people were accepted as part of the social fabric. This stark contrast inspired me to use my writing as a medium to challenge the narrative back in Africa. I wanted to show that acceptance is possible and that being LGBTQ isn’t something to “pray away” or solve through religion. It was crucial for me to write this story as a call for change, urging African societies to move towards compassion and inclusion.
What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
One of the most challenging parts of writing Unchained was portraying gay relationships in the UK as equally valid and natural as heterosexual relationships. I wanted to vividly depict how love, commitment, and marriage transcend orientation, and I worked hard to normalize same-sex relationships for readers unfamiliar with such dynamics. Striking the balance between authenticity and sensitivity was tough because I aimed to connect these relationships to a universal understanding of love without alienating readers from more conservative backgrounds.
What is one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you were younger?
I wish someone had told me that nothing is impossible and that I am my own limitation. Growing up in a restrictive environment, it was easy to internalize societal expectations and believe there were limits to what I could achieve. If I had understood earlier that with effort and self-belief, I could break barriers, I might have pursued certain dreams sooner. This advice would have empowered me to embrace my uniqueness and navigate life with more confidence.
What do you hope readers take away from your experiences?
I hope readers understand that societal norms are not fixed—they evolve, and they must make room for inclusion and acceptance. Africa is on the brink of a cultural shift, and the old ways of thinking must give way to new ideas that value the dignity and rights of every individual. I want readers, especially those from African backgrounds, to see that LGBTQ people are not asking for special treatment—they’re asking to live authentically and with the same respect afforded to everyone else. Above all, I hope my story inspires conversations, challenges prejudices, and sparks the cultural change we need to see.
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free from societal constraints to live authentically.
Unchained (A tale of Identity, freedom and self discovery)
Unchained, by Chinonso Elom, is a memoir chronicling a young man’s transformative journey toward self-discovery amidst the challenges of coming of age. Set against the backdrop of an orthodox environment in Nigeria, Ikenna’s story reveals the struggles of growing up in a conservative Catholic family, bound by rigid expectations that leave little room for individuality. For Ikenna, the weight of these expectations is compounded by his identity as a homosexual, which subjects him to the harsh judgment of his parents and the church. Ostracized and vilified, he faces a series of dehumanizing attempts to “correct” his identity, which only deepen his feelings of alienation, despair, and invisibility. Determined not to succumb to this oppressive reality, Ikenna takes a bold step and relocates to the United Kingdom for higher studies. This decision becomes the catalyst for his transformation. In a foreign land, he discovers love, friendship, and a sense of belonging that empower him to reclaim control over his life. His story evolves into one of resilience, liberation, and the quest for authenticity.
From the opening chapter, the weight of societal expectations looms large, as Ikenna grapples with the pressure to conform to traditional norms. The conversations between Ikenna and his parents, laden with unspoken truths, felt authentic and raw. The contrast between his rigid life in Nigeria and the vibrant, accepting LGBTQ+ community in Northampton is stark and moving.
One of my favorite parts was when Ikenna attends an LGBTQ+ event for the first time. He dons an outfit that reflects his true self, stepping into the space with trepidation but finding only support and admiration. This moment of courage and the subsequent camaraderie among the attendees was heartwarming, showing the power of acceptance. Even as Ikenna finds love and builds a life for himself, he constantly battles the echoes of his upbringing and the fear of his family’s rejection. I was particularly struck by the tension during his parents’ visit to the UK for his graduation. The subtle shifts in their reactions from pride in his achievements to discomfort with his newfound confidence illustrate the chasm between their worlds. Elom handles this delicate dynamic with sensitivity, though I found myself longing for more resolution in these familial threads.
Unchained is an emotional journey of self-discovery that resonates deeply, especially for those who have struggled to reconcile personal identity with societal expectations. Chinonso Elom’s prose is simple yet evocative, and the themes of resilience and belonging are universally relevant. This book is perfect for readers who appreciate character-driven stories about cultural conflict, self-acceptance, and the power of community. Ikenna’s story will stay with me for a long time, reminding me of the importance of living authentically despite life’s challenges.
Pages: 84 | ASIN : B0DHTZ89S8
LITERARY TITAN 